The Sunday Sessions (2019) User Reviews

Controversial topic but well done

[breakers-49978 · 8/10 · 21 February 2019]

Engaging and well done for such a difficult and controversial topic. I particularly like how the film allows the viewer to form their own opinions regarding the topic by offering little to no narrative. As one viewer wrote, it is a fly on the wall approach. I would have preferred more finality to the conclusion though it does not detract from the essence of the film and the reality of the subject's struggles.

Difficult to watch, but perhaps that's what is needed

[xylerwenx · 7/10 · 14 October 2017]

This is a very powerful look inside the life of someone struggling to reconcile their faith and their sexual identity. I think it is absolutely worth watching, but I have some general thoughts. Personally, I think the biggest issue with the film (if I can really call it an issue at all) is that viewers may come out with a conclusion that is more heavily influenced by their preconceptions about the therapy than anything the film actually showcased. I can see how someone who is already anti-LGBTQ (and maybe also Catholic) would interpret the ending of the film to be a successful application of the therapy. The nuance of the situation would be completely lost on them. They might think parts of the therapy are difficult to watch or extreme, but they might consider that necessary to treat something that they perceive to be unnatural like homosexuality.

I appreciate the approach that was taken with the overall filming and editing however. It felt very personal and sincere, but much of my emotional reaction comes from the fact that I am already supportive of LGBTQ rights (and the fact that I am a Humanist/atheist). My reaction to the film is loaded by my own preconceptions just as much as someone who would be anti-LGBTQ. I came out of the movie feeling a lot of empathy for Nathan (and Chris, strangely enough), but I don't feel like my perception of conversion therapy had changed much. It was mostly what I was expecting, just with a personal narrative to connect to. I think there is a big difference between showing an unvarnished and raw representation of what anti-LGBTQ treatment looks like and being a film that itself is anti-LGBTQ. I think this film achieved the former. Though, for anyone that is expecting an exposé full of facts and data, I think they will likely walk away feeling disappointed. And for some, I think they will not be satisfied with impartiality. To them, impartiality is a tacit endorsement of the practices in the film. I don't really agree, but that may be the response from some.

Mercy

[christopherjetset · 6/10 · 4 April 2021]

As a well adjusted, normal gay man, I have empathy for people like Nathan who struggle with their identity. While I firmly believe we don't choose who we are, (I personally believe God does) we all get to choose our path in life. Nathan seems to have chosen his, but there are more than enough glimpses of someone in conflict with external forces, I.e., family, religion, and is struggling to love himself and live free. I wish him well on his journey. Interesting documentary. What struck me most is that his friend Cameron seemed to be the most well-adjusted and logical person to appear. Also, having heard horror stories about conversion therapy, the psychological approach seemed very mild and empathetic leaving we to wonder if the version of the film was a sanitized one.

The Sunday Sessions

[dwlkck · 2/10 · 13 October 2017]

I viewed this film recently and must say that I would not recommend it to anyone on either side of the conversion therapy debate. The synopsis or promo refers to it as "an emotional and psychological thriller." I don't see that at all. Very misleading in my opinion but perhaps my opinion is shaded by the very unsatisfying conclusion of the film. Perhaps the makers were hoping to leave the issue open to further debate, to encourage more discussion, but my reaction was simply "What? That's it?"

conversation starter

[caanlgbtq · 5/10 · 25 October 2017]

The UU Church of Joliet and CAAN had the honor of screening the documentary "The Sunday Sessions" on National Coming Out day, Oct 11, 2017. We had the privilege of having a few college professors in philosophy and a psychologist among our audience members, and were able to share a fantastic after-event conversation about conversion therapy. Many raised concerns about the well being of the protagonist, as oftentimes, situations like his, end up in tragedy. We continue to welcome the conversation on coming out in healthy supportive environments (not like shown in the film), not only for those coming out, but for those who wish to further understand and support those directly and indirectly affected.

Homosexuality and religion

[justahunch-70549 · 5/10 · 21 March 2024]

I can't really say that I cared for this all that much. It's a documentary about a gay man who was trying so hard not to be one and who spends three years dealing with a conversion therapist. As is well known, conversion therapy for gay men is not well accepted in almost any medical, therapeutic or scientific area. The young man here conflicted by his religious beliefs, and to me that is the primary source of where his pain and confusion comes from, destroys a friendship with the only person I saw in this film to make any sense at all. Most others in this seemed to be suffering due to his homosexuality and it seems to me that the difficulty of acceptance would have been a lot easier on everyone than dealing with his conversion therapy. The fact that the ending did not clearly answer any questions that I had was very annoying as were the therapist's comments about himself who admits that the homosexual part of him will never be completely gone, but he has learned how to have a life with a woman and is encouraging this young man to do the same knowing that that's not exactly where they're real and true desires lie. I don't see how that's fair to a wife. I'm all over the place on this, though I don't doubt the therapist's sincerity, but I have very mixed feelings on what I witnessed and I can't say I found it illuminating in any way and it did not budge my needle on my strong disapproval with this kind of therapy. I feel sort of sad for this young man, but I also question why he would want and/or agree to put this terribly personal major facet of his life on film.

Sensitive Subject but very well done

[dyeags · 9/10 · 25 October 2017]

The "Sunday Sessions" is an honest look into the daily struggle of a man torn between his religious beliefs and his homosexual feelings. Film maker, Richard Yeagley follows main subject, Nathan's journey as he engages in a controversial practice of conversion therapy with aspirations of influencing his sexuality.

As a Lesbian woman I can understand why viewers could be upset by this film especially the LGTB community. This is a sensitive subject and a very realistic view into this practice. Audiences need to be aware, during viewing, that conversion therapy is centered around religion conviction that homosexuality is a mental illness or the devils work with the assumption participants can be converted back to "straight". While the content is tough to stomach at times, Keeping this in mind allows an honest viewing.

Richard Yeagley strategically composes the film, leaving out his personal opinions, allowing the audience to decide for themselves. Any criticism is formed by the viewer and is not the direct result of the filmmaker telling the audience how to think. My speculation is access to the sessions would not have been granted to the filmmaker, had he chosen to film this any other way or with any bias.

The ending of the film is left open and unfinished. This depicts how Nathan feels at the end. How can the film have a real finish when his personal struggle has not ended.

I would recommend the film and challenge even those disgusted by the material to remember change doesn't happen without the realization of a problem. If the type of therapy is upsetting which it is to many, myself included, encourage others to watch and to encourage change.

Tough and Real

[alexandrangraves · 9/10 · 24 October 2017]

The Sunday Sessions is a commanding film. It is hard to watch because of its subject matter: conversion "therapy". Most people have heard something about this controversial (apocryphal) "therapy," but watching the process unfold in the film is a gripping, uncomfortable experience. The point of a documentary is to show real life and I think this film does so in a powerful way. The ending is messy and somewhat unsatisfying but that is the reality of life. Nathan, the one undergoing the "therapy", clearly is in the throes of what seems likely to be a lifelong struggle to reconcile his identity.

The "therapy" sessions are particularly challenging to watch and in many ways mind-boggling in their tactics, but they highlight the desperation Nathan feels to "overcome" his sexual orientation.

I thought the most moving, and in some ways the saddest, parts of the film were those that involved Nathan's gay friend, Cameron. They have a genuine connection but Nathan is too afraid to maintain the friendship with the one person who seems to genuinely connect with his struggle, something the film's editing pointedly highlights I think.

I am avid supporter of the LGBTQ community.

I strongly recommend this film.

Painful, Yet Powerful!

[jbaer-80764 · 10/10 · 21 February 2019]

I love documentaries of all kinds. One of my biggest complaints with them is that most seem to lead you in a direction or have an agenda. This documentary however, is completely objective... there is no interviews, no narration, no leading in a any direction. Simply a camera rolling, capturing what happens. And what it covers is riveting. Painful, yet powerful. This film was both informative and engaging. I would love to know where Nathan is now.

Religion vs. Sexuality

[ribturtle · 10/10 · 28 February 2019]

"The Sunday Sessions" is a brave documentary. The protagonist, Nathan, painfully seeks alleviation from his suffering. Having lived through a similar dilemma, my religion vs. my sexuality, I felt for Nathan during his tortuous journey toward self-actualization. The film helped me see the dangers and delusions of making a religious bypass around facing the excruciating process of getting out of one's head and into one's body. Nathan's intelligence gets in the way of trusting his own feelings. This is my own interpretation; the movie did not spell this out for me. The director wisely presents Nathan's life without judgmental interference. "The Sunday Sessions" is masterfully rendered. I highly recommend this film to everyone.

Engaging and Emotional

[adrianneliwerant · 9/10 · 11 March 2019]

This documentary is a fascinating portrayal of one mans journey through conversion therapy. Even though the documentary was unbiased and informational, I felt pure empathy and compassion for this mans individual struggle. Scenes including him and his friends/family were particularly heart wrenching and intellectually engaging. I will recommend this movie to anyone who wants an inside look into the struggles of conversion therapy and the emotional journey of those involved.

Wow - Such Riveting Footage

[jbmore-68681 · 9/10 · 19 February 2019]

This documentary has such a wow factor. How the filmmaker got access to such intimate situations, blows my mind. I was unaware that conversion therapy was still in practice, but this film sheds to light on an issue that afflict many in religious communities. Although the ending is sad (based on the opinions of any LGBT-affirming individual, including myself), this is reality. It's gut-wrenching, but that's the power of the film. The way it is shot and how it is pieced together as a narrative which consists of scenes, instead of montages, is why it is -- IMO -- a worthwhile documentary.

Great film - I could feel the tension growing with each season

[adamschluter · 10/10 · 21 February 2019]

Truly enjoyed this documentary. A roller coaster of emotions exhibited throughout. For the people that think this film is backing the therapy, they clearly missed the message. This film shows that not only does this type of therapy not work, but it brings out true pain and disconnect to yourself.